I won't go into too much detail, but I had to bridge the way to another rental with a two day rental.  The rental agent told me to go to a line with a higher level of service and pick out a car there.  

I saw an intriguing Malibu, for lack of a better word, in an outstanding color combination and with the full sunroof.  I decided on that one and am glad I did.

It looks like there are no more extensions.  This is it.  There won't be another generation of Malibu with an ICE.  We were strung along with all the conceptual and schematic mock-ups just like we were with the Charger.  I'm not surprised.

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PHOTOS TO FOLLOW

EXTERIOR PHOTOS

This is the most flattering color I've yet to see for a Malibu.

This sunroof in a rental car was a treat though I barely used it.

Here's a stance we've seen for 8 or 9 years and those alloy wheels look good.

While refueling it, I took an opportunity to take this photo:  you see this standout color, a light beige interior with darker accents, and even an interesting and less common color for the faux woodgrain that work together very well, making this a really likable unit.

INTERIOR PHOTOS

The view into the cabin from the driver's front door

The view into the cabin from the passenger's front door

How configured when I picked it up - note a voltmeter inset with the tach and some interesting things near the speedometer; this is either new or specific to this LT 2, Premier, or other designation for an upline model

This is how I set it up.

Familiar and easy to operate infotainment and climate control panels

The colors and finishes are very nice

Sound by Bose

A fairly spacious rear seat in the cream/lt. beige color leather(ette) with the darker accents on the belts, in the carpeting, and on the doors

This is what this sunroof looks like from the inside